5-11-23 fdl fire and rescue awards banquet

Fond du Lac, WI: Each year, Fond du Lac Fire Rescue (FDLFR) awards members of the agency for their exceptional effort, commitment, and outstanding service to the department and community. This year FDLFR presented Officer of the Year, Firefighter of the Year, Unit Citation Awards, and Excellence Awards. FDLFR appreciates these members’ bravery and courage, exceptional service, and achievement to the agency.

Officer of the Year: Lieutenant Andrew Aird has shown great leadership, determination, and commitment to the members of FDLFR and the citizens he serves.  He has the unique ability to inspire, motivate, and create teamwork while building morale, in all the tasks that he is involved in. Andy’s leadership abilities sets the tone for his entire crew and he is always a positive influence.  He leads by example and is constantly working side by side with his crew and the Command Staff to accomplish all tasks assigned. Lieutenant Aird is described by his supervisor- “he has a passion for the job like no other, his expectations for himself and his crew is set at a very high standard which in turn gives the citizens of Fond du Lac highly skilled and well trained individuals”. It is our distinct honor in presenting Lieutenant Andrew Aird the 2022 “Officer of the Year” award.

Firefighter of the Year: Engineer Nick Czaja has demonstrated the highest degree of dedication and participation of activities within the agency and community including training, fire response, public education, and other fire rescue operations. This member has gone beyond the normal duties of their position to make visible improvements that have enhanced the agency’s ability to safely operate at fire scenes and to better serve the community. Nick is instrumental in taking time to mentor new personnel and assist with any training that is needed, and lends an ear when other issues arise.  Nick’s supervisor stated that he can be counted on for any task and has exceeded expectations in his new role (Engineer). It is our distinct honor to present Engineer Nick Czaja the 2022 “Firefighter of the Year” award.

Life Saving Award: On February 7, 2023 in the early morning hours, FDLFR was dispatched to a residential structure fire at 984 Ashbury Drive.  When crews arrived, heavy fire was already pushing through the roof and partial roof collapse had occurred. Quint 2’s company were met by a neighbor who was certain that the occupant was still inside the residence.  Lt. Faris and FF/Para. Stephens forced entry into the home and found the occupant asleep in her bed, unaware of the fire raging through her home. The fire company was able to awake the occupant who was unaware, and initially very startled by their presence and get her out of the house to safety. Shortly after removing the occupant the remainder of the roof collapsed making the structure inaccessible and would have certainly trapped anyone left inside. For their exemplary actions in rescuing the occupant, Lieutenant Rick Faris and Firefighter Paramedic Adam Stephens are awarded the “Life Saving Award”.

Excellence Award: This individual has demonstrated a high degree of excellence in multiple areas of department operations in 2022.  Fond du Lac Fire Rescue has realized there is a decline in the interest by younger students to pursue careers in public service.  This member took the initiative to research, develop and contact individuals to begin a cadet program at Fond du Lac Fire Rescue.  Research, development, and collaboration to get this program off the ground and become as successful as it is to date was no easy challenge.  This individual spent many hours putting this all together and continues coordinating the activities and trainings to keep students engaged and excited to learn more.  This program will have a profound impact on attracting students toward public safety careers in the fire and emergency medical service. Lieutenant Keith Wendt has been awarded the 2022 Award of Excellence.

Citizen Life Safety Award:

1. On February 7^th 2023 at 0130 in the morning Luan Bibb had been awake doing homework and noticed a fire raging at the neighbors, she woke her father Patrick who told her to call 911.  Patrick realized that the occupant was most likely home, he ran to the house and attempted to gain access. When crews arrived there was heavy fire already through the roof.  The heavy winds added to the spread and intensity of the flames and it was reported by Patrick that an occupant may still be in the structure.  Members on Quint 2 quickly made entry into the structure and were able to rescue the elderly occupant who was still sleeping in her bed and completely unaware of the fire around her. Luan’s quick recognition and Patrick’s identification that the occupant was likely home allowed the fire department response enough time to locate and rescue the occupant.  This incident would have surely led to tragedy if the actions of these citizens did not occur.  Luan and Patrick Bibb are receiving the 2022-2023 Citizen Life Safety Award.
2. On August 23, 2022 at approximately 0915 in the morning, Fond du Lac Fire Rescue was dispatched for a smoke alarm that was sounding and a haze noted inside a residence. On arrival, crews made entry into the residence noting smoke and an odor of something burning.  Crews quickly located a smoldering cutting board and an appliance that was left on top of the stove. The stove burner was in the “on” position.  The quick actions of another resident recognizing a smoke alarm was sounding, investigating the cause and notifying 911 dispatch allowed the fire department to quickly respond, investigate the problem and mitigate the situation before it grew out of control. The recognition and prompt actions in this case is what kept a minor odor and property damage incident turn into a potential large loss incident or tragedy. For her quick recognition and actions, Rebecca Peterson receives the Citizen Life Safety Award.